BEIJING (dpa-AFX) - China's exports expanded much faster than expected in November but the annual increase in imports outpaced export growth, data from the General Administration of Customs showed Friday.

Consequently, the trade balance showed a surplus of CNY 263.6 billion in November.

Julian Evans-Pritchard, an economist at Capital Economics, said he expects exports to continue to perform well in the coming months on the back of strong global demand.

However, the economist said he is sceptical that the strength of imports can be sustained given that the delayed impact of policy tightening and a cooling property market are set to weigh on Chinese demand for commodities in coming quarters.